Get To Know The CAMPERS: Blackmarket Bakery
Hi CAMP Community,
We are going to be sharing a series based on all the wonderful small businesses here at The CAMP. This Get To Know The CAMPERS series will feature an in-depth dive into the unique businesses that call the CAMP and Costa Mesa home! We look forward to introducing you to these incredible people and their one-of-a-kind businesses 💚
This week we are highlighting the inspirational story of Blackmarket Bakery!
Welcome to Blackmarket Bakery!
BLACKMARKET BAKERY FACT #1:
@blackmarketbakery is a locally owned small business that uses its physical presence in the community to support other small businesses. From local roasters like @luckyscoffeeroasters and @oldtowncoffeeroaster, to small companies like @jadetigertea and @perniciouspikls all of which can be found on the shelves of this local bakery. We deeply admire the support that Blackmarket Bakery provides to other small/locally owned businesses!
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BLACKMARKET BAKERY FACT #2:
The team at Blackmarket Bakery is a family in every sense of the word (seriously there are two sets of siblings that work there). Like a family, they lift each other up and ensure growth and opportunities within the company. Rachel, owner and head baker, ensures cross training for all employees so they can learn different elements of the business and of baking as well as making sure that the team can support one another no matter the role.
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BLACKMARKET BAKERY FACT #3:
Everything is made fresh daily. This is not an exaggeration. When many people are headed to bed for the evening, the wonderful bakers at Blackmarket Bakery are heading into work (usually around 11pm). Everything you see when you arrive that morning is fresh that includes the perfectly butter croissants to the deliciously flavored loaves of bread, mouthwatering tarts, and of course the beloved Berry Poppins (it’s like a pop-tart but for adults)!
Meet the owner!
Today, we are excited to introduce you to the owner of @blackmarketbakery - Rachel Klemek! If you have been following along with us for some time now you know we just love telling people that she is a Chopped Champion (👋 @foodnetwork)
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Rachel grew up in North Carolina before moving to California in the 7th grade. Though her adventures have taken her to Greece, San Luis Obispo and Napa she would ultimately land back in Orange County to bring us Blackmarket Bakery!
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After graduating from the baking and pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, CA @theculinaryinstituteofamerica she brought her talents back to Southern California. She started baking custom cakes for catering events and pastries for open markets. She even taught baking classes at their local commercial kitchen .This is when Blackmarket Bakery became a reality for her and the family.
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Blackmarket Bakery put down roots at the CAMP location over 8 years ago which would be the first of their three locations (Santa Ana & San Diego). Rachel and her family chose The CAMP as their home base because they really appreciated and admired how this space nurtured independent businesses!
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Rachel is a very hands-on owner and makes trips to each location through the week. If you see her at one of the Blackmarket Bakeries be sure to say hi!
📸: Sage Klemek
What to expect when you visit Blackmarket Bakery!
EXPECT A ROTATING MENU
Rachel and her team love offering their customer new and exciting items especially when it comes to playing with ingredients that are in season. You’ll always be able to find the classics but key your eyes peeled for unique sammies, pastries, and desserts that are only here for a limited time!
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EXPECT THE FRESHEST GOODS THAT MOVE FAST
Blackmarket Bakery makes all of their delectable items fresh each day and when they sell out, they are out. However, a great trick for those who are craving a particular item is to order ahead on the website! The team will ensure your order is ready for you when you want to pick it up. It can be anything from just one perfectly buttery croissant to a dozen Cinnamon Churro Twists or the always-in-demand Southern Comfort Eggywhich!
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EXPECT A JOURNEY UNLIKE ANY OTHER BAKERY
The design of Blackmarket Bakery is steeped in detail to create a journey for each guest that walks in the door. Everything from the layout of the queueing line filled with small and local producers of confections, cards, and cookies to the open kitchen format which allows customers to watch the bakers in action whether they are frosting cakes, baking bread, or finishing off the perfect tarts! Blackmarket Bakery wants you to feel welcome, to spend some time, and to enjoy the full experience.